Emergency dispatch workstation

ABSTRACT

A workstation ( 100 ) has a motor-driven, height-adjustable back work surface ( 102 ), an independently adjustable front work surface ( 104 ), optionally dimmable work lights ( 114, 116 ), free-standing fans ( 118 ), and heated floor pad ( 120 ). The fans are pivotable and free-standing units that may be positioned to provide optimal comfort. The motor drives, work lights, fans, and heated floor pad connect to central control box ( 150 ), and a single point user interface ( 130 ) is operatively connected to allow the user to controlling all of these devices from a single device. One or more digital displays ( 137, 139 ) may be provided to indicate the work surface elevations. An optional activity sensor ( 122 ) may be provided to power down the lights, fans and heater when the workstation is not in use.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to workstations and, in particular, to anergonomic workstation having more than one vertically adjustable worksurface.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Although desks and workstations in use today for office workers arepredominantly conventionally designed furniture having a relativelylarge, flat, and fixed horizontal working surface, recent research intothe health implications of a one-size-fits-all approach to suchfurniture has generated a certain amount of concern. Much of theprogress in this area has been directed to the user's chair, basicallyallowing the user to adjust his or her position relative to theworkstation to achieve a comfortable fit. More recently, ergonomicallydesigned workstations have become available wherein the workstationitself is designed to provide a better fit to the user rather thanrequiring the user to accommodate to the workstation. Such ergonomicimprovements have included, for example, angled work surfaces or forwardportions of work surfaces that are designed to comfortably support theuser's arms, height-adjustable work surfaces, foot supports, and thelike. Such ergonomic improvements are all generally directed toincreasing the user's comfort, particularly over longer periods of time,and to preventing injuries such as repetitive motion injuries.

In addition to the ergonomic comforts that may be achieved byappropriate design of the geometry of the workstation, it may also bedesirable to have environmental accoutrements to improve a user'scomfort. For example, users frequently place fans and/or heating unitson or near the workstation to control the local temperature and airflow. Users may also place lighting, particularly adjustable lighting,onto a workstation in order to control lighting about the workstationarea.

Dispatch operators, such as emergency dispatch operators who answer“911” call lines have special needs. Frequently, for example, dispatchoperator stations include a number of different display monitors,connected to one or more computer systems, that display differentinformation, such as caller identification (ID) information, emergencyservices information, local map information, referral information, andthe like. The dispatch operator may have one or more input devices, forexample, to contemporaneously log information relating to an emergencycall or to retrieve specific information to appropriately respond to acall. It is important that the display monitors be positionable at adesired height and that the input device be independently positionableat a desired height.

The dispatch operator often works in a very high-stress, time-critical,multitasking situation where minor delays or mistakes can havesignificant negative consequences. The dispatch operator may have todeal with multiple, concurrent calls and accurately assess thecriticality of each call to appropriately prioritize the calls. It istherefore particularly important that the dispatch operator be able toprovide full attention to the dispatcher's duties, without unnecessaryexternal distractions or influences. Also, dispatch operators aregenerally highly-trained professionals, and it is desirable to providean environment that is comfortable and healthful to reduce absenteeismand turnover.

In addition, because the duties of the dispatch operator typicallyrequire a significant amount of expensive equipment, the dispatchworkstation may be used by many different dispatchers—for example,during different shifts and to provide coverage during breaks. It istherefore desirable that the dispatch workstation be flexible andadjustable to accommodate different users. In particular, workstationadjustment must be convenient and quickly achieved, so that theadjustment itself is less likely to become a distraction when calls comein. For example, a first dispatch operator may be more effective andprefer to work standing, whereas a second dispatch operator is moreeffective sitting. If they both use the same dispatch workstation (atdifferent times) then the workstation must be sufficiently adjustable toaccommodate users either standing or sitting. Similarly, a givenoperator may alternate between sitting and standing.

It should also be appreciated that emergency dispatch rooms frequentlyinclude a number of different workstations and more than one dispatcherat a time. The emergency nature of the calls and the inherent stressfrequently result in the dispatch room taking on the ambiance of a warroom, with generally little extraneous noise and low or subdued lightinglevels that facilitate the dispatchers' reading of the various displaydevices. It is therefore common to have one or more individual lights atthe workstations that can be positioned to not cause glare in thedisplay devices, while providing the dispatcher with adequate lighting.

What is needed, therefore, is a workstation that is easily and quicklyadjustable to accommodate different dispatchers and that also providesconvenient and less distracting environmental controls.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A workstation is disclosed having a number of comfort-enhancing aspectsthat are particularly suited for use in emergency dispatch applications.The workstation has a height-adjustable back work surface that maysupport, for example, a plurality of monitors, and a separatelyheight-adjustable front work surface that may support, among otherthings, a user input device, such as a keyboard. A movable work lightand movable fan are also provided. A single point user interface havingcontrols for adjusting the work surface heights and controlling thelight and the fan is also provided. The single point user interfaceprovides a simple, readily accessible control system whereby a user canachieve a desired level of comfort with minimal distraction.

In an embodiment of the invention, the back work surface is attached toa plurality of linear actuators for selectively adjusting the height ofthe work surface and wherein each actuator includes a servo motor and apair of telescoping tubes.

In an embodiment of the invention, the front work surface is connectedto the back work surface with a height-adjustment mechanism including aseparate linear actuator, whereby the front work surface height isselectively adjustable relative to the height of the first work surface.

In an embodiment of the invention, a radiant heating unit, such as aheated floor pad, is also provided.

In an embodiment of the invention, a control box receives input signalsfrom the single point user interface and generates corresponding outputsignals to the linear actuators, lights, fans, and/or heater, to achievethe desired function. The control box may be conveniently mounted to anundersurface of the back work surface.

In an embodiment of the invention, an activity sensor is provided fordetecting when a user is in proximity to the activity sensor, such thatat least some of the powered devices of the workstation may be powereddown when the workstation is not in use.

In an embodiment of the invention, a separate switch is convenientlymounted near the front of the workstation such that a user can move thework surfaces to a lower position—for example, to allow limited-mobilityusers to access the single point user interface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of thisinvention will become more readily appreciated as the same become betterunderstood by reference to the following detailed description, whentaken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a dispatch operatorworkstation according to the present invention;

FIG. 2A illustrates, in block diagram form, the control box for theworkstation shown in FIG. 1 and the devices connected to the controlbox;

FIG. 2B is a fragmentary view of the underside of the workstation shownin FIG. 1, showing a location installing the control box;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the workstation of FIG. 1, with somecomponents removed for clarity, and exposing the lifting legs foradjusting the height of the back work surface, and the mechanism foradjusting the height of the forward work surface;

FIG. 4 is a partial, cross-sectional side view of the workstation ofFIG. 1, showing the mechanism for adjusting the height of the forwardwork surface;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the systems controller for theworkstation of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5B shows a partially exploded view of the systems controller shownin FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the single point user interface for theworkstation shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6B is a partially exploded view of the single point user interfaceshown in FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of one of the fan units for theworkstation shown in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 7B is a partially exploded view of the fan unit shown in FIG. 7A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A particular embodiment of the present invention will now be described,with reference to the figures, wherein like numbers indicate like parts.FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a dispatch operator workstation 100made in accordance with the present invention. The workstation 100includes a vertically-adjustable back work surface 102 adjacent to avertically-adjustable front work surface 104. The work surfaces 102, 104are generally supported by left and right pedestal components 106, 108.The pedestal components 106, 108 may include, for example, equipmentshelves, drawers, and/or other convenient storage areas, as are known inthe art. The workstation 100 may be partially surrounded with aplurality of upright walls 110, which may be supported, at least inpart, with a plurality of elongate upright members 112. The walls 110may have a sound-deadening outer layer, such as a natural or syntheticfabric sheet material. As shown in FIG. 1, the back work surface 102 maysupport one or more monitors 90 (four shown) or other dispatch equipmentsuch as radios, computers, control panels, or the like. The forward worksurface 104 may support one or more user input devices such as akeyboard(s) 92, mouse, microphone, or the like. Obviously, in additionto the system components that will be described below, the work surfaces102, 104 will also, in general, support other devices such astelephones, reference materials, and the like.

As discussed in more detail below, the back work surface 102 isheight-adjustable to accommodate the preferences of a particular user,and the front work surface 104 is also, and independently, heightadjustable. The workstation 100 includes a first work light 114, and asecond work light 116, although more or fewer work lights mayalternatively be utilized. The work lights 114, 116 may be of differenttypes to suit the desires of different users. For example, the firstwork light 114 may be a halogen-type work light, and the second worklight 116 may be a fluorescent- or incandescent-type work light. Aplurality of free-standing fans 118, preferably low voltage DC fans, aremovably disposed on one or both of the work surfaces 102, 104. A heatingunit, such as a heated floor pad 120, is disposed below the workstation100. The workstation 100 also includes a single point user interface 130that includes a plurality of controls that permit the user to adjust thework surface 102, 104 height, and the operation of the lights 114, 116,fans 118, and heated floor pad 120, as discussed in more detail below.In the disclosed embodiment, an activity sensor 122, such as a motiondetector, is also disposed near the front portion of the workstation 100for detecting the proximity of a user, and a separate ADA switch 124 formoving the work surfaces 102, 104 up or down is also provided.

Refer now to FIGS. 2A and 2B. FIG. 2A illustrates in block diagram formthe interconnection of the active components of the workstation 100 intoa central control box 150. The “black box,” or control box 150, ismounted to the workstation 100, preferably to an underside of the backwork surface 102 (see FIG. 2B), such that the control box 150 isaccessible to the user, but not intrusive or in the way of the user. Thecontrol box 150 is operatively connected to the single point userinterface 130, lift mechanisms (discussed below) for the back and frontwork surfaces 102, 104, the first and second work lights 114, 116, thefans 118, the heated floor pad 120, and the activity sensor 122. Theoperative connection may be, for example, by cables or by other suitablesystems including, for example, wireless connection systems, as are wellknown in the art. The control box 150 is adapted to receive inputsignals from the single point user interface 130, generally resultingfrom a user action on the controls of the single point user interface130, and to generate output signals in response to the input signals, tocontrol the operatively connected devices described above.

If an activity sensor 122 is utilized, the control box 150 will alsomonitor an input signal from the activity sensor 122 and generate anoutput signal after a predetermined period of inactivity—for example, toturn off the work lights 114, 116, fans 118, and/or heated floor pad 120when the workstation 100 has been vacant. In a preferred embodiment, theactivity sensor 122 continues to monitor to detect if a user approachesand re-energizes the work lights 114, 116, fans 118, and/or heated floorpad 120 at their previously-set levels when a person is detected withina predetermined proximity to the activity monitor 122. Also, the ADAswitch 124 provides a readily accessible control for lowering the worksurfaces 102, 104. The ADA switch provides a convenient mechanism for auser with limited mobility to lower the work surfaces 102, 104 in orderto gain access to the single point user interface 130. In a preferredembodiment, the ADA switch 124 may also be used to raise the worksurfaces 102, 104 to their uppermost position. This has been found to beconvenient, for example, when access to the underside of the workstation100 is desired—for example, for maintaining the system or reconfiguringthe control box 150.

FIG. 3 shows the workstation 100 with much of the structure removed toexpose the lifting leg assemblies 200. The lifting leg assemblies 200utilize conventional linear actuators to raise and lower the back worksurface 102 to a desired height. In the disclosed embodiment, fourvertical lifting leg assemblies 200 are positioned to lift the back worksurface 102. The lifting leg assemblies 200 include an outer tubeportion 202 and a telescoping inner tube portion 204 that slidablyengages the outer tube portion 202. The outer tube portion 204 isfixedly attached to the work station 100 with brackets 203. A motor 206is disposed at the upper end of each inner tube portion 204 and attachedto the underside of back work surface 102. The inner tube portion 204engages a screw assembly (not shown), that is rotatably driven by thecorresponding motor 206, thereby raising or lowering the inner tubeportion 204 and the back work surface 102. Although an electric,screw-type, linear actuator is described, it will be readily apparentthat any suitably controllable linear actuator mechanism may be used.Suitable linear actuators may be obtained, for example, from LINAK U.S.Incorporated in Louisville, Ky. It will be appreciated that more orfewer lifting leg assemblies may be used, without departing from thepresent invention—for example, to accommodate larger or smaller movablework surfaces. It will also be appreciated that the operation of thelifting leg assemblies 200 must be coordinated to maintain the generallyhorizontal orientation of the back work surface 102. In the presentembodiment, the motors 206 are servomotors that output position and/orrotation information to a supplemental controller (not shown), such thatthe operation of the motors may be determined with suitable precision toachieve the desired coordination to keep the back work surface 102horizontal. It is contemplated that stepper motors might alternativelybe used, or feedback from independent electronic levels mightalternatively be used, to achieve the desired coordination between thelifting leg assemblies 200.

The lift mechanism 210 for the front work surface 104 can also be seenin FIG. 3, and more clearly in the cross-sectional side view of FIG. 4.FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional side view of the work station with somestructure removed for clarity, and illustrates the lift mechanism 210for adjusting the height of the front work surface 104 relative to theback work surface 102. The lift mechanism 210 attaches with firstbrackets 211 to the underside of the back work surface 102, and withsecond brackets 213 to the underside of the front work surface 104. Leftand right pivotable lever mechanisms 214 are disposed therebetween,configured to allow the front work surface 104 to move vertically, whilemaintaining a substantially horizontal orientation. A shaft 218interconnects the left and right pivotable lever mechanisms 214 (seeFIG. 3), such that the lever mechanisms 214 pivot together. A linearactuator 216 is drivably connected to the shaft 218, and is operable torotate the shaft 218 such that the front work surface 104 may beselectively moved upwardly or downwardly. The linear actuator 216 may beof any suitable type as is well known in the art, and may be purchased,for example, from LINAK U.S. Incorporated, of Louisville, Ky. In thedisclosed embodiment, the front work surface 104 may be moved between aposition vertically lower that the back work surface 102, to a positionabove the back work surface 102.

Refer now to FIGS. 5A and 5B, which show an embodiment of the controlbox 150. The control box 150 is a relatively low profile component,having a box portion 151 and an upper panel 152 attachable to the boxportion 151—for example, with a plurality of machine screws 153. Theupper panel 152 includes a plurality of attachment apertures 154 forattaching the control box 150 to the underside of the back work surface102—for example, with screws or bolts (not shown). It will be readilyappreciated that the control box 150 may be alternatively installed onthe work station 100—for example, by placement on a shelf, bracketassembly, bonding, or the like—without departing from the presentinvention. The control box 150 includes a front panel 155 supporting aplurality of various sockets for interfacing with the componentsdiscussed above. A power socket 156 is adapted to receive a power cord(not shown) for providing power to the control box 150. A power switch158 may be provided to allow the user to turn off the control box 150. Aplurality of controlled power sockets 160 (five shown) is provided andadapted to selectively provide power to the heated floor pad 120 thework lights 114, 116. It will be appreciated that the work lights 114,116 may be dimmable (for example, a halogen-type light) or simplyswitchable (for example, a fluorescent-type light), and differentsockets may be desired, depending upon the type of light.

The control box 150 also includes a plurality of low voltage DC fansockets 170 (three shown), two or more work surface actuator sockets 172(three shown), a first input socket 174 for connecting the single pointuser interface 130, and a second input socket 176 for connecting theactivity sensor 122. An ADA switch socket 178 is also provided thatreceives input from the ADA switch 124, such that a user canconveniently lower the work surfaces 102, 104—for example, to gainaccess to the single point user interface 130. Modifications of thepresent embodiment will be readily apparent to persons of skill in theart if alternative connection systems, such as wireless connections, areutilized rather than cables.

The control box 150 receives input signals from the single point userinterface 130 and from the activity sensor 122, and uses those inputsignals to generate control signals and/or to control the power suppliedto the various devices connected to the control box 150. It will now beappreciated that this configuration allows the user to adjust the worksurface height, the lighting, the heating, and the fans, from the singlepoint user interface 130, with very little effort.

An embodiment of the single point user interface 130 is shown in FIGS.6A and 6B. The user interface 130 may be approximately the size of aconventional computer mouse, and includes control input elements for thecomponents described above. In this embodiment, a push button control135 is provided for turning on or off the work lights 114, 116, fans118, and heated floor pad 120 with a single action. This may be useful,for example, if a particular workstation is to be left unused for a longperiod of time, e.g., overnight. First and second rotary switches 131,132 are provided for controlling the first and second work lights 114,116. The rotary switches 131, 132 switch the work lights 114, 116 on andoff and/or adjust the brightness level of the work lights 114, 116 ifthe controlled light is dimmable. It will be appreciated that in someembodiments, the rotary switches 131 and/or 132 may control more thanone work light. A third rotary switch 133 controls the speed of thefan(s) 118. In the current embodiment, up to three fans 118 may beincorporated into the system. A fourth rotary switch 134 controls theheated floor pad 120, allowing the user to adjust the temperature of theheated floor pad 120.

A first rocker switch 136 is provided for moving the back work surface102 either up or down, depending on which direction the first rockerswitch 136 is depressed. In this embodiment, a digital display 137 isprovided that displays a number corresponding to the current height ofthe back work surface 102, such that a user can easily and repeatablyachieve a preferred height. A second rocker switch 138 is similarlyprovided for moving the front work surface 104 up or down. A seconddigital display 139 is also provided to indicate the relative height ofthe front work surface 104. As seen in FIG. 6B, the single point userinterface 130 includes a base 140 having side walls 141, a printedcircuit board 142 containing the switches and associate circuitry, a topcover 144 that attaches to the base 140 to generally enclose the printedcircuit board 142, and a face plate 145 bearing appropriate markings(not shown) identifying the controls. A cable 146 attaches the singlepoint user interface 130 to the control box 150, as discussed above.Four non-skid feet 147 are affixed to the bottom of the base 140.

As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the fan 118 of the disclosed embodiment isa free-standing unit having left and right inlet grills 180 and a frontend outlet louver 182. A squirrel-cage type fan and motor assembly 188is drivably disposed in a two-piece housing 187. The fan 118 ispreferably a low-voltage DC fan, so as to avoid interference with anyother electronic equipment on the workstation 100. A supporting base 184includes an upright stanchion 185 for pivotable attachment to the fan118, such that the outlet louver 182 of the fan 118 may be directed in arange of positions in a vertical plane. The cable 186 is preferably longenough to allow the user to place the fans 118 in a convenientorientation and position on the workstation 100. An optional filter 181may be provided at the air inlet, which may be attached by anyconvenient method—for example, with adhesive strips 183. Four non-skidfeet 189 are affixed to the bottom of the base 184.

While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated anddescribed, it will be readily appreciated that various changes can bemade therein without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention. For example, it is contemplated that the back work surface102 may comprise a plurality of separate portions, and that only asingle portion, or less than all of the portions, may be heightadjustable. It is also contemplated that the workstation may includemore than two independently adjustable work surfaces.

1. A workstation comprising: a first work surface having a first liftmechanism for selectively adjusting the height of the first worksurface; a second work surface having a second lift mechanism forselectively adjusting the height of the second work platform; a worklight and a fan, each movably disposed on the workstation; and a singlepoint user interface having a first input control operatively connectedto the first lift mechanism for adjusting the height of the first worksurface, a second input control operatively connected to the work lightfor controlling the intensity of the work light, and a third inputcontrol operatively connected to the fan for controlling the speed ofthe fan.
 2. The workstation of claim 1, further comprising a fourthinput control operatively connected to the second lift mechanism foradjusting the height of the second work surface
 3. The workstation ofclaim 2, wherein the single point user interface further comprises afirst indicator that indicates the relative height of the first worksurface and a second indicator that indicates the relative height of thesecond work surface.
 4. The workstation of claim 3, further comprising aradiant heating unit, and wherein the single point user interfacefurther comprises a fifth input control operatively connected to theradiant heating unit for controlling the heat output of the radiantheating unit.
 5. The workstation of claim 4, wherein the radiant heatingunit is a heated floor pad.
 6. The workstation of claim 2, furthercomprising a control box that is operatively connected to the singlepoint user interface, the first lift mechanism, the second liftmechanism, the work light, and the fan, and wherein the control boxreceives input signals from the single point user interface and sendscorresponding output signals to one or more of the first lift mechanism,the second lift mechanism, the work light, and the fan.
 7. Theworkstation of claim 6, further comprising an activity sensor that isoperatively connected to the control box, the activity sensor adapted todetect when a person is near the activity sensor and to transmit aninput signal to the control box indicating detection of the person. 8.The workstation of claim 7, wherein the activity sensor is a motiondetector.
 9. The workstation of claim 2, further comprising a switchdisposed at a forward portion of the workstation, wherein the switch isoperable to signal the first and second lift mechanisms to move to alowered position.
 10. The workstation of claim 2, wherein the first liftmechanism comprises a plurality of linear actuators, each linearactuator having a servomotor and a pair of telescoping tubes.
 11. Theworkstation of claim 2, wherein the second lift mechanism comprises alinear actuator and a lever mechanism, and further, wherein the secondlift mechanism attaches the second work surface to the first worksurface.
 12. An emergency dispatch workstation comprising: a back workplatform having an upper work surface and a lower surface; a front workplatform having an upper work surface and a lower surface; a pluralityof first linear actuators connected to the lower surface of the backwork platform and operable to selectively raise and lower the back workplatform; a lift mechanism including a second linear actuator and alever system, the lift mechanism operable to selectively raise and lowerthe front work platform relative to the back work platform, and whereinthe lift mechanism connects the front work platform to the back workplatform; a fan that is movably positionable on the upper work surfaceof the back work platform; a heating unit disposed below the front workplatform; a work light disposed over the back work platform; a controlbox operably connected to the first and second linear actuators, thefan, the heating unit, and the work light; and a single point controlleroperably connected to the control box, the single point controllerhaving a plurality of controls for generating signals for selectivelyadjusting the first and second linear actuators, the fan, the heatingunit, and the work light; wherein the control box receives the signalsfrom the single point controller and generates corresponding outputsignals to control the first and second linear actuators, the fan, theheating unit, and the work light.
 13. The emergency dispatch workstationof claim 12, wherein the single point user interface further comprises afirst indicator that indicates the relative height of the first workplatform and a second indicator that indicates the relative height ofthe second work platform.
 14. The workstation of claim 13, furthercomprising a plurality of work lights that are controllable from thesingle point controller, and a plurality of fans that are controllablefrom the single point user interface.
 15. The workstation of claim 12,wherein the heating unit is a heated floor pad.
 16. The workstation ofclaim 12, wherein the control box is attached to the lower surface ofthe back work platform.
 17. The workstation of claim 12, furthercomprising an activity sensor that is operatively connected to thecontrol box, the activity sensor adapted to detect when a person is nearthe activity sensor and to transmit an input signal to the control boxindicating detection of the person.
 18. The workstation of claim 17,wherein the activity sensor is a motion detector.
 19. The workstation ofclaim 12, further comprising a switch disposed at a forward portion ofthe workstation, wherein the switch is operable to signal the first andsecond lift mechanisms to move to a lowered position.
 20. Theworkstation of claim 12, wherein the plurality of first linear actuatorscomprises at least four linear actuators, each linear actuator having aservomotor and a pair of telescoping tubes.
 21. A workstationcomprising: a first work surface having a first lift mechanism forselectively adjusting the height of the first work surface; a secondwork surface having a second lift mechanism for selectively adjustingthe height of the second work platform; a plurality of sound-dampeningwalls disposed in a generally C-shaped configuration surrounding aportion of the first work surface; a plurality of pivotable fans, eachfan movably positionable on the first work surface; and a single pointuser interface having a first input control operatively connected to thefirst lift mechanism for adjusting the height of the first work surface,and a second input control operatively connected to the second liftmechanism for adjusting the height of the second work surface, and athird input control operatively connected to the plurality of fans forcontrolling the speed of the fans.